A new Stephen King Rat adaptation is on the horizon as the author’s 2020 novella, Rat, prepares for its first film version. This unsettling story is being transformed into a movie that promises to bring King’s tense and eerie narrative to life.
Creative Team Behind the Film
Jeff Howard, known for his work on The Haunting of Hill House, will write the screenplay for Rat. Mexican director Isaac Ezban is attached to helm the project, guiding its ominous atmosphere. The film’s production is overseen by Jay Van Hoy, whose previous credits include producing Robert Eggers’ acclaimed horror films The Witch and The Lighthouse.
The Storyline of Rat
Rat centers on Drew, a writer haunted by his own ambition, whose past efforts to complete a novel have ended disastrously through illness, bad luck, or worse. Desperate to break free from this cycle, he isolates himself in a remote cabin in the Maine woods. When a violent storm cuts him off from the outside world, Drew’s health declines and his mind slips into fevered madness. In this fragile state, a mysterious stranger comes to him, offering a bargain promising salvation and success—but at a cost that Drew can barely understand.
“cursed by his own ambition. Each attempt at a novel has ended in disaster – illness, misfortune, or worse. Determined to break the cycle, he retreats to a desolate cabin in the Maine woods, convinced this time will be different. But as a violent storm traps him in isolation, Drew’s body falters and his mind begins to unravel. In the grip of fever and madness, a stranger appears – an uncanny visitor who promises salvation and success… for a price Drew can barely comprehend.” Jeff Howard, Screenwriter
Background and Related Stephen King Adaptations
Originally part of King’s 2020 collection If It Bleeds, Rat joins other stories like The Life of Chuck and Mr. Harrigan’s Phone, both of which have already been adapted into films. The Life of Chuck stars Tom Hiddleston, while Mr. Harrigan’s Phone features Donald Sutherland and Jaeden Martell. These adaptations add to King’s long history of his works reaching broad audiences through cinema.
Upcoming Stephen King Projects
Following Rat’s upcoming adaptation, The Running Man is set for release on November 14. Directed by Edgar Wright, this thriller depicts a deadly reality show where contestants are hunted worldwide for a cash prize. The cast includes Glen Powell, Josh Brolin, and Colman Domingo, blending action and suspense with King’s signature tension.
The introduction of Rat to film audiences amplifies the ongoing interest in King’s stories, highlighting a continuous wave of adaptations sure to engage both longtime fans and new viewers alike. As these projects develop, viewers can expect more dark and gripping tales from one of horror’s most prolific authors.
